Koraput District Poised to Become Major Connectivity Hub on Raipur-Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor
With nearly 95% of construction work already completed, Koraput district in Odisha is rapidly transforming into a significant connectivity hub along the ambitious six-lane, greenfield, access-controlled Raipur-Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor. This crucial infrastructure project falls under the comprehensive Bharatmala Pariyojana initiative and is being executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Officials have confirmed that if current progress continues according to schedule, the Odisha stretch of this transformative corridor should reach completion by June.
Seven Strategic Interchanges to Revolutionize Local Connectivity
The corridor will feature seven strategically placed interchanges within Koraput district, dramatically strengthening both local and regional connectivity networks. These vital entry and exit points are meticulously planned at Kaliagura and Benasur in Borigumma, Tala in Koraput, Lunguri (located near Nalco Chowk) and Kunduli in Semiliguda, and Baraja and Talagolar in Pottangi.
"These interchanges will bring even the most remote villages and small towns onto the national highway grid," emphasized R Venkateswarlu, Project Director of NHAI in Koraput. "Our approach is to combine world-class infrastructure with environmental care," he added, highlighting the project's dual focus on development and ecological responsibility.
Odisha's First Six-Lane Twin-Cell Highway Tunnel: An Engineering Marvel
A standout feature of this corridor is Odisha's inaugural six-lane, twin-cell highway tunnel, which extends an impressive 3.42 kilometers through the challenging and rugged terrain of the Eastern Ghats. This engineering marvel is equipped with state-of-the-art safety systems including jet fans, advanced firefighting mechanisms, and dedicated control centers at both ends to ensure completely safe and uninterrupted traffic movement.
"Every element of the tunnel has been planned with safety and efficiency in mind," explained Venkateswarlu. "It enables faster travel while fully addressing the challenges posed by the landscape."
Environmental Considerations and Infrastructure Integration
Another critical segment of the corridor lies between Kandili and Tumbigura, constructed through dense forest terrain. This section incorporates viaducts, major and minor bridges, specially designed wildlife crossings, monkey canopies, and effective noise barriers to guarantee smooth traffic flow while simultaneously safeguarding sensitive ecosystems.
Transformative Impact on Travel, Trade, and Regional Development
Upon completion, the corridor will substantially shorten the current 594-kilometer journey between Raipur and Visakhapatnam by approximately 70 kilometers. More importantly, it will dramatically reduce travel time from around 14 hours to just 5-6 hours, revolutionizing connectivity across eastern India.
"This project will transform trade, tourism and daily travel in the region, while also improving access to healthcare and education," stated Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, underscoring the corridor's multifaceted benefits for local communities.
Project Specifications and Broader Regional Impact
The 465-kilometer corridor connects Abhanpur near Raipur with Sabbavaram near Visakhapatnam at an estimated cost of about Rs 16,000 crore. The highway passes through Raipur, Dhamtari and Kanker in Chhattisgarh; Nabarangpur and Koraput in Odisha; and Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
Designed for speeds of up to 100 kmph on plains and 80 kmph in hilly sections, this infrastructure masterpiece cuts directly across the Eastern Ghats to significantly enhance both passenger travel and freight movement efficiency across eastern India. The project represents a monumental step forward in regional connectivity, economic integration, and sustainable development for the entire corridor region.
